STUDY STRATEGIES FOR FINAL EXAMS

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STUDY STRATEGIESFORFINAL EXAMS
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PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS

• Using a blank calendar, annotate each scheduled
  exam date and time. Ask yourself the following
  questions
• How many days between each final exam, starting
  with the last day of class?
• How many hours a day should I study?
• What subject should I study first?
• What topics should I study in each subject area?
• Should I study in a group or by myself?

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GETTING STARTED
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Update your study aids

• All notes should be revised throughout the
  semester and revisions incorporated into course
  outlines/summaries
• All course outlines/summaries should be updated
  throughout the semester with final updates
  completed immediately after the last class.

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EXAM REVIEW
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If your Professor does an exam review, take very
good notes. Pay particular attention to the
following

• Which topics the professor will cover on the
  exam.
• Type of exam (Multiple choice, essay or
  combination)
• Timing requirements on exam
• The weight each topic will be given
• Special instructions regarding format or
  structure of answers.

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PRACTICE PROBLEMS

• Identify a source of practice questions that
  correspond to the topics to be covered on the
  exam
• Use prior exams of your professors where
  possible
• Select practice questions that are the same type
  as expected on the exam. (i.e. multiple choice,
  essay, short answer)
• Do all practice questions under actual test
  conditions.

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Organize your study groups prior to the last day
of class.

• Decide beforehand what days and times you will
  meet and what topics you will cover.
• Keep groups small, 3-5 dedicated students.
• Make an agenda prior to your group meetings and
  stick to it.
• Assign practice questions to be completed before
  the meeting.

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Schedule your study time.

• Arrange subjects (substantive classes) on your
  schedule, in the order of final exams.
• Spread your time out according to your strengths
  and weaknesses. Allow more study time for
  difficult subject areas.
• You may have to study multiple subject areas in
  the same day.

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Develop a study list

• Topics that you know for certain will be on the
  exam.
• Assess your strengths and weaknesses in each
  substantive area.
• Prioritize topics giving the highest priority to
  those topics which are most difficult and most
  likely to be covered on the exam.

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Put It All Down On Paper

• Schedule study time in 50-60 minute blocks of
  time. Write down the specific area you will
  study during that time.
• Take a short (5-10 minute) break between each
  block to stretch your legs and get refreshments.
• Adjust your schedule as needed to accommodate
  other topics or to change the amount of time
  youve allotted for each topic.

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STICK TO THE PLAN!

• Review your next days schedule the night before
  so you know what you will study the next day.
• Avoid distractions.
• Turn the ringer off on your phone (unless you
  have an urgent situation where you must stay in
  communication).
• Change the message on your answering machine,
  notifying friends and family that you are
  studying for final exams. Ask them not to leave a
  message unless it is urgent and that you will be
  available after your last final exam (give date).
• Get lots of rest and maintain a healthy diet and
  exercise routine.

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STUDY HARD and STUDY SMART!

• YOUR STUDY PERIOD SHOULD BE LIKE A FULL-TIME JOB,
  AT LEAST 8-12 SOLID HOURS OF STUDY PER DAY.
• THE AMOUNT AND QUALITY OF EFFORT YOU PUT IN IS
  DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL TO THE AMOUNT OF SUCCESS
  YOU WILL REALIZE.